Man U vs West Ham: Robin van Persie scores fastest goal of EPL season

London: Manchester United striker Robin van Persie needed just 33 seconds to score the fastest goal of the English Premier League season so far when he put the leaders ahead against West Ham on Wednesday.

The Dutch forward delighted the Old Trafford faithful when, after receiving the ball from Michael Carrick, his first touch eluded Winston Reid before his finish deflected off James Collins and looped over keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Van Persie’s goal was all the more extraordinary as, prior to Wednesday’s match, United had conceded the first goal 13 times already this season.

His effort trumped that of his former Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott, who took a comparatively sedate 52 seconds to give the Gunners the lead at Everton on Wednesday.